Humacao is known as "La Perla del Oriente" (pearl of the orient) and "La Cuidad Gris" (gray city). Humacao was founded on April, 1722 and became autonomous (town) in 1793. Humacao derives its name from a local Indian chief Jumacao.

Off shore near (1 km) Humacao is an island inhabited by Rhesus monkeys once used for scientific experiments back in the 1930s. Cayo Santiago (15.2 ha (38 acres) host one of two field stations of the Caribbean Primate Research Center in the island. The small island contains a population of approximately 800 monkeys, which are direct descendants of the original 409 monkeys imported from India and released onto the island in 1938. Research policy strictly limits the number of visitors allowed on the island at any one time, but you can cruise around it and snorkel nearby, observing the monkeys from a distance that is safe for both you and the animals.

Humacao's small airport is served by Vieques Air Link with a daily flight from Vieques.

Humacao is located in the eastern coast of the island, north of Yabucoa; south of Naguabo; east of Las Piedras; and west of Vieques Passage. The annual precipitation is around 98 inches.

The town has light industry, including textiles, plastic products, and castor-oil extracting. The surrounding area produces coffee, sugarcane, rice, and tobacco.

There are many well-known "humacaeños", among them: Luis Rafael Sánchez, Osiris Delgado, Rita Moreno, Emilio E. Huyke, Felipe Janet, Antonia Saez, Juan Pena Reyes, Federico Acosta Velarde, Jus Luis rivers "Yoyo Boing", Lito Pena, Lucy Fabery, and Luis Somalea Iglesias.

Land Area: 117 sq km (45 sq mi) Water Area: 26.63 sq mi Population: 62,244 Density: 504.5 per sq km (1,311.8 per sq mi) Housing Units: 22,559 Housing Density: 503.9 Per Capita Income: $7,677 Source: 2000 Census Hymn: Humacao, hijo de taíno bravío... Wards: Antón Ruiz, Buena Vista, Candelero Abajo, Candelero Arriba, Cataño, Collores, Mabú, Manbiche, Mariana, Pueblo, Punta Santiago, Río Abajo and Tejas. Driving Distance: 30.8 miles * Driving Time: 1 hours, 2 minutes *